Youth and Militarism

Signing up for the military isn't like taking a job or registering for a camp or school. It is a serious decision that has lifelong consequences. Recruiters are quick to emphasize the good points about being in the military, but there are many downsides. What recruiters say about life in the military at best omits many facts. At worst, recruiters tell out and out lies to sign up recruits.

In this opinion article, AFSC's Robin Aura Kanegis points out that in this season of federal budget debates "the Pentagon has apparently developed the ultimate cloaking mechanism - one that protects the military's budget bloat from mathematical reality. The military budget accounts for more than half of federal discretionary spending, as well as nearly half of all military spending worldwide. But despite this lopsided investment, increased military appropriations are set to glide past Congress' so-called budget hawks like a Stealth Bomber."

Lost in the debate over the U.S. role in Afghanistan is the significant toll the war has taken on Afghan civilians. The American Friends Service Committee hopes Thursday’s “Windows and Mirrors” art exhibit will help to shine a light on the thousands of Afghan civilians killed since the U.S. attacked Afghanistan nine years ago.

Who we are

AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. Learn more

Where we work

AFSC has offices around the world. To see a complete list see the Where We Work page.